Turner Lionel Montpetit

It is with great sadness that the Montpetit family announces the passing of Turner Lionel Montpetit on Monday, August 14, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of 61 years to Violet Cottrell, the pretty blond with whom he was smitten back in 1959.  Father to Colette, Melanie and Matthew. Father-in-law to Dan and Jennifer. Grandfather to Thomas, Casey &Wyatt, Connor & Niki, Jacob, Ethan and Owen. Great-Grandfather to Wesley. Turner was brother to Lloyd (Betty), Alfred (Betz) and Julian (Patricia). He was loved by a myriad of nieces, nephews and in- laws. He shared his name with his oldest Grandson, Thomas Joseph Turner and his Great Grandson, Wesley Turner. 

 Turner was born in the mining town of Matachewan, Ontario on April 10, 1938. Moving to Huntsville at the age of 5, Turner grew up on the family farm on West Browns Road, learning at a young age to run a trap line, hunt and fish, cut and haul timber with his horse and run the waterways of Huntsville in his speedboat. His love of cars and his ability to drive earned him the title of one of Ontario’s fastest drivers during a Dice on Ice race and, later, earned him his 30 year safety pin for safe school bus driving. Working for Canox, Turner lived in North Bay and Timmins with his young family before settling in Sundridge, and, along with Vi, operated various businesses including Almaguin Sports, the MTO and Sundridge Pizza. During his years of living in Sundridge, Turner shared his joy of teaching outdoor skills by being a Scout leader, his passion for community with over 45 years as a LIONS member, his willingness to share his knowledge with two terms as council member for Strong township and volunteering as a bus driver for many organizations.  During retirement, Turner carried on his love of travelling and exploring. He and Vi cruised Ontario aboard their 27 foot Doral boat and he continued his journeys with assorted family members to the United States, Mexico and Canada coast to coast, especially Newfoundland. 

Turner will be remembered by many for his love of the outdoors, hunting, camping, canoeing, his fashion sense and unruly beard, making maple syrup at the bush lot, old cars, old guns and any interesting conversations he could have with friends and strangers alike, especially if he could steer the conversation towards Matachewan. 

Family will receive friends at the Lion’s Club in Sundridge on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. with a Lion’s Club service at 6 p.m.  Visitation will also be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Christ Church Anglican in Port Sydney from 11 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 1 p.m.  If desired, donations can be made to the Sundridge Lion’s Club Medical Lending Library, Almaguin Pet Rescue, Boy Scouts Canada or Christ Church Anglican Port Sydney (cheques only).